Los Angeles FC Target Deal For Rooney

Los Angeles FC owner Tom Penn has declared his interest in bringing Manchester United and England captain Wayne Rooney to the MLS in 2018.

Rooney has been linked with a move away from United in recent months after falling down the pecking order under manager Jose Mourinho.

The 31-year-old, who is under contract at Old Trafford until 2019, turned down the chance to join Beijing Guoan in the summer, according to the Chinese Super League side's honorary chairman Lou Ning, and affirmed his commitment to United.

LA FC will make their debut in the MLS in two years' time and, despite Rooney's reported desire to stay at United, Penn revealed the forward is one of a number of players the club is currently targeting as they look to assemble their first-team squad.

"Wayne Rooney is an example of the calibre of player we are looking to bring to LA FC," Penn told ESPN FC.

"He is one of 10 names we are looking at, but we are a long way from signing anybody up right now.

"We are still 18 months away from our first MLS game, so we will see if players of Rooney's status and reputation are interested.

"But LA FC is a club with the ambition to match its surroundings, so it is important for us to attract players with a global reputation."

Rooney was forced to withdraw from the England squad ahead of Tuesday's friendly against Spain at Wembley because of a minor knee injury and will be assessed by the United medical team before the visit of Arsenal to Old Trafford on Saturday, live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 11.30am.

Credit: Skysports.com